Methods of construction and implements therefor

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to construction implements and methods for their use in the construction of retaining walls, revetments, road ways, suspended floor spans and the like. The basic element is a support sheet (1) comprising an essentially quadrangular sheet folded about at least one longitudinal axis (2) to produce at least one fold in the sheet. The basic element can be used to construct a load bearing surface at any angle. The basic element can be driven into the ground with the aid of various adapters (6) and attachments (17). Optionally, for additional strength, the sheet can be tied to the grounds by various anchor (26) (52) and rod assemblies (35). Each anchor is pivotally connected to the rod and positioned in the ground in a closed position. When appropriate tension is applied to the rod, the anchor assumes an open position and bites into the ground.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the construction of walls, revetments, roads,suspended floor spans and the like. In particular, it is directed to aset of construction implements and the use thereof in a general methodof construction which is of use in a number of areas.

BACKGROUND ART

When constructing a new building or the like, it is nearly alwaysnecessary to first excavate the ground upon which the building is to beerected so that the required footings can be constructed. The usualprocedure is to excavate a suitable hole in the ground. The walls ofthis hole require support so that they will not collapse while thefootings are constructed. This support is especially required whenconstructing a building very close to an existing building. In theabsence of a suitable support, the foundations of the existing buildingmay at least move or, at worse, collapse into the adjacent excavation.

For the deep excavations necessary for modern tall buildings such asoffice blocks and hotels, it is often a requirement that the ground beexcavated to a depth of at least six meters. Further, to prevent anymovement of adjacent buildings, it is often a requirement that theretaining wall(s) be constructed below ground level before anyexcavation is undertaken.

Similarly, when constructing a new dam, it is often necessary to providesome form of retaining wall around the dam site to prevent passage ofthe soil etc into the body of water as the dam fills and, also, toretain the body of water itself in the designated area.

Traditionally, such retaining walls have been constructed by thetechnique of "piling" wherein interlocking piles, each pile beingapproximately 0.33 m wide and up to 6 m long, are driven (by therepetitive application of a large impact force) into the ground to forma wall of the required width. This method is time consuming andexpensive as a large number of piles have to be first driven into theground and subsequently removed after the building foundations, wallsetc have been constructed. Further, the bulk of the piles and theequipment necessary to first support and then drive them into the groundprevents a below-ground retaining wall from being built extremely closeto an existing wall of a building or the like. In addition, the largeforce necessary (e.g. from an impact driver) to drive the piles into theground results in shock waves through the ground which can damage thefoundations of an adjacent existing building.

One alternative method that has been tried is to replace theafore-mentioned piles with sheets of metal. These sheets of metal, whichare substantially wider than the piles, are also driven into the ground.However, although this alternative method reduces the time required toerect a retaining wall of given length, it is still necessary to removethe sheets after the building foundations, walls etc have beenconstructed as the sheets are too expensive to be used once only andthus left in the ground for all time. Further, the gauge of these sheetsare such that, to position these sheets, it still requires the abovementioned traditional bulky equipment and the application of largeimpact forces with their attendant problems.

A modification of this known technique--described in UK Patent No1074054 --is first to drive a preliminary ramming plate of relativelyheavy gauge into the ground which is then withdrawn and a secondplate--of lesser gauge--is then inserted into the "slot" thus created.

Although this modified method (using a lesser gauge and thus cheaper tomanufacture sheet) may allow the second plate to remain in the groundfor all time, it is essential always to create the "slot" before theactual second plate can be inserted into the ground. Thus the time toerect a retaining wall is not significantly reduced and the ramming ofthe first plate into the ground still involves large impact forces withtheir accompanying problems.

When constructing a revetment, it is nearly always necessary first todrain the water from where the revetment is to be erected so that therequired footings can be constructed. Alternatively, where draining isnot practical (e.g., on a foreshore), work on footings and the like canonly be undertaken at low tide or by first diverting the flow of wateraway from the construction area.

The revetments are then traditionally constructed from rock or stonewhich is positioned where required, either dry-stacked or, if necessary,further held in position by cement or by placing a net-like structure(usually manufactured from metal) thereover. These methods are timeconsuming and expensive as they are labour intensive and, usually, therock or stone has to be carted from an area remote from the revetmentconstruction.

One alternative method that has been tried is to prepare the land wherethe revetment is required to provide the desired contour for therevetment, for example, by excavation or mounding with earth or rubbleand placing thereover a double walled mattress which is then filled withconcrete by pressure injection. This alternative method is still nottotally satisfactory as, for example, if excavation is required to setthe desired contour, draining or diverting of water may still berequired.

Further problems with the known prior art include (1) for the deepexcavations necessary for modern tall buildings, the required retainingwalls often have an exposed face which is of substantial depth and thusthe ground pressure on the other side can be substantial and may causethese retaining walls to move inward away from the required angle underthe influence of this pressure; and (2) similarly, when such walls orrevetments are placed in soft soils such as sand or similar,particularly when wet, movement of the walls is likely.

Traditionally, such retaining walls have been anchored by using aconcrete grout wherein a threaded hole is bored into the soil, concreteis then poured into the hole and metal cables are embedded therein. Oncethe concrete has cured, the metal cables are secured to the retainingwall to prevent movement thereof.

Disadvantages of this traditional method include (1) soil has to beremoved before the concrete is poured in, requiring special drillingequipment; (2) several days are required for the concrete to cure beforethe grout can be used; (3) if insufficient grout is added to replace theremoved soil, subsidence can occur of the surrounding area; (4) thedrilling equipment is bulky and problems thus arise if the grout has tobe placed near existing foundations of, for example, an adjacentbuilding; (5) the anchoring system has to be "destressed" in due course;(failure to destress is highly likely to allow subsidence and othermovement of the surrounding soil which could cause damage to the newconstruction and/or to adjacent buildings); and (6) a concrete grout ispermanent, there being no reusable materials.

The above discussion has described existing problems associated with theconstruction of support walls which are to be erected in an essentiallyvertical position. However, "horizontal" supports of considerablestrength are also required, for example, in large suspended floor spanssuch as those necessary in modern office and retail complexes and,particularly, in the construction of roads, bridges and the like.

The traditional bridge building material, timber, is now out of favouras its cost is increasing and supplies are becoming more difficult toobtain. Timber bridges also require significant regular maintenance.Accordingly, the repair and replacement of the decking of existingwooden bridges and the construction of new bridges now tends to beundertaken using alternative materials, most commonly reinforcedconcrete or steel sheets covered by some suitable load bearing material.

Although reinforced concrete is immensely strong and durable, large andthus expensive quantities are required if the concrete is to be the onlysupporting surface. Extensive formwork is also required to contain theconcrete until it has set. Therefore, in an attempt to overcome thisproblem, steel decking has been utilised whereby profiled steel panelsare first laid down and then covered with any suitable infill material.These fill materials vary from compacted earth to structural gradeconcrete.

A disadvantage of this steel decking alternative is that the roadsurface is not load bearing until the infill material has beenpositioned. This usually necessitates the infill material to bepositioned manually as the initial steel decking is not strong enough tosupport the large and heavy vehicles, such as concrete-containingvehicles, which deliver the material. The required manual distributionof the infill material is time consuming, labour intensive and thusrelatively expensive.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to overcome, or at leastameliorate, one or more of the above problems and to provideconstruction implements and methods for their use which are suitable fora wide range of applications whereby substantial load bearing support isrequired in essentially any direction.

It has been discovered by the present inventors that, if the knownsheets are replaced with sheets of a particular profile, the sheets thusprofiled are immensely strong and can, for example, be positioned usingless bulky equipment. If necessary, they can be positioned in the groundby the application of much lower driving forces and, further, can beproduced economically enough to remain in the ground for all time iftheir removal is impractical. Also, the insertion of the sheets into theground can be direct thus eliminating the need for any preliminaryramming plate to carve a "slot" for the sheets. Should conditionsrequire, the sheets can be further tied to the ground by use of ananchor(s) also developed by the present inventors. In addition, thesheets can be positioned horizontally and, in this application, areready for immediate use as they are sufficiently load bearing withoutfurther treatment.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a support sheet for use in the construction of a load bearingsurface such as a retaining wall, floor span, roadway or the like, saidsupport sheet comprising:

an essentially quadrangular sheet folded about at least one longitudinalaxis to produce at least one fold in said sheet.

In their application as part of, for example, a retaining wall, as thesupport sheets of the present invention are of a lesser gauge than theconventional prior art sheets, it has been found that a much lowerdriving force is necessary to drive the support sheets into the ground.However, because of the lesser gauge and thus reduced rigidity of thesheets, there could be a tendency for the sheets to buckle under thedriving force in certain circumstances. This problem can be overcome byaffixing an adapter to the top of the support sheet prior to itsinsertion into the ground. It has been found that, by applying avibrating force to the adapter, the support sheet can be driven almostto its full length into the ground. The adapter is then removed and thesupport sheet is driven to ground level by the aid of an attachmentfitted between the support sheet and the source of the vibrating force.

Therefore, as a second aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an adapter for a support sheet as hereinbefore defined, saidadapter comprising:

a) an essentially quadrangular sheet folded about at least onelongitudinal axis to produce at least one fold in said sheet; and

(b) means to releasably attach the adapter to said support sheet;

wherein the number and position of said at least one fold areessentially identical to that of said support sheet.

As a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided anattachment for a support sheet as hereinbefore defined, said attachmentcomprising:

1) an essentially elongated member adapted to communicate with the topof said support sheet; and

2) means to releasably connect said elongated member to a source of avibrating force.

In some circumstances, it is known that, below ground, there may be treeroots, rocks and other debris which may prevent the easy penetration ofthe support sheet. Similarly, after commencement of the driving of thesupport sheet, progress may be halted as one unexpectedly encountersroots, rocks etc. This problem can be overcome by the use of a cuttersheet--of complementary shape to the aforedefined support sheet but ofheavier gauge--which is first driven into the ground and then removed tocreate a passage for the support sheet.

Therefore, as a fourth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a cutter sheet capable of being driven into the ground to cuttree roots, to split rocks and the like, said cutter sheet comprising:

an essentially quadrangular sheet folded about at least one longitudinalaxis to produce at least one fold in said sheet;

wherein said sheet is capable of being driven into the ground to atleast ground level to cut tree roots, to split rocks and the like thatmay be present therein.

As a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a methodof constructing a retaining wall or the like, said method comprising:

selecting a support sheet as hereinbefore defined;

if necessary, affixing said support sheet to an adapter as hereinbeforedefined;

positioning said support sheet to at least an approximation of itsrequired relationship to the ground;

if appropriate, removing said adapter; and/or

if necessary, placing an attachment as hereinbefore defined incommunication with the top of said support sheet and further positioningsaid support sheet until the required relationship to the ground isattained.

It has also been discovered by the present inventors that the supportsheets as hereinbefore defined and their method of use can be used toproduce any required contour for any particular revetment. After thesheets have been positioned, if necessary, the soil or the like isexcavated from the water side of the proposed revetment and a casing isoverlaid onto the water side face of the sheet and the casing is filledwith a suitable robust material.

As a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a methodof constructing a revetment--either above and below water--said methodcomprising:

selecting a support sheet as hereinbefore defined;

positioning said sheet to the required level and at the required angle;

if appropriate, excavating the soil or the like from one face of saidsheet; and

overlying a casing or the like on said one face, wherein said casing canbe filled with a suitable robust material.

As an optional feature of the above-defined methods is the use of acutter sheet as hereinbefore defined wherein, prior to selecting asupport sheet, a cutter sheet is driven into the ground at the requiredangle and to the required depth to cut tree roots, to split rocks, andthe like that may be present in the ground, the cutter sheet then beingremoved. Alternatively, if tree roots, rocks or other debris isunexpectedly located while driving the support sheet, the support sheetcan be removed and the cutter sheet used as above described beforereplacing the support sheet in the ground.

Of course, it will be appreciated that, if necessary, a second supportsheet can be driven into the ground so that it partially overlaps theadjacent first support sheet. Similarly, if extraordinary depth isrequired--a depth which is impractical to achieve using a single supportsheet--a first support sheet can be driven to ground level and then asecond sheet --with suitable hooks attached at its lower edge--affixedto the top edge of the thus-driven first sheet. This second sheet isthen driven into the ground forcing the first sheet to below groundlevel. These processes can be repeated until a retaining wall of therequired length and/or depth has been constructed. Optionally, a hightensile bolt is used to hold the overlapped sheets closely together ator near the top of the sheets, it being found that ground pressure issufficient for close contact at the base of the sheets.

For revetments and similar, once the required length and depth have beenobtained, the casing is overlaid for the full length and then filledwith the robust material.

Although the number and position of the fold(s) on the sheets andadapter may vary dependent on the application required, preferably, thecutter and support sheets and the adapter each comprise more than onefold to produce a series of double folds (pleats) symmetrically placedalong the full width of the respective sheets. More preferably, eachsheet and the adapter are folded between five and seven times.

Preferably, the means to releasably attach the adapter to the top of thesupport sheet comprises (a) two L-shaped brackets affixed so that saidsupport sheet can be positioned between the planar sheet of the adapterand each said bracket and (b) holes in said brackets and in said supportsheet which are aligned when said adapter is in use, allowing a bolt orsimilar to be passed through to connect said adapter and said supportsheet together.

Preferably, the elongated member of the attachment for use with thesupport sheet is a channel of square C cross-section, the width of thechannel being slightly greater than the depth of the pleats of thesupport sheet. This channel member may optionally be further adapted tocomprise extended sides of a profile complementary to that of thesupport sheets.

For revetments and the like, preferably, the casing is a double wallednylon mattress woven of multi-filament nylon wrap held together atintervals by filter points which remain free of the robust filling andare designed to relieve hydrostatic pressure.

Preferably, the robust material used as the filing is sand or concrete.More preferably, the filling is fine aggregate concrete which ispressure injected into the casing.

Optionally, the support sheets can be coated with any suitablepreservative composition to further increase resistance to abrasion,water erosion, rusting etc.

In some soils, or where very deep excavation is required, it may benecessary to anchor the abovedescribed support sheets and buildingelement to prevent their excessive movement.

Thus, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an anchor for use in securing a retaining wall, revetment orthe like in position said anchor comprising:

an elongated rod having a blade-like soil engaging means pivotallyconnected at one end and capable of movement from a first closedposition to a second open position, the other end of said rod beingadapted to be secured to said retaining wall, revetment and the like.

As an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a methodof anchoring a retaining wall, revetment or the like in soil, sand orsimilar, said method comprising:

1) passing at least one anchor as hereinbefore defined and in said firstclosed position through said wall, revetment or the like and into thesoil, sand or similar at the required angle and to the necessary depth;

2) causing said blade-like means to assume said second open position;and

3) subsequently or simultaneously with assuming said second openposition, securing said other end of said rod to said wall, revetment orthe like in such a manner to substantially prevent any movement of saidwall, revetment or the like under the influence of ground or otherpressure or similar.

Preferably, the rod is externally threaded along its whole length and iscapable of being secured to said retaining wall, revetment and the likeby means of a conventional threaded nut.

The shape of the anchor, its manner of insertion into the soil and itsoverall operation varies dependent on the type of soil in which theretaining wall, revetment or similar is being constructed.

For example, in soft or wet soil, sand or the like a relatively broad,blade-like soil engaging means is required. An outer casing ispositioned over said rod, one end of said casing being releasablyaffixed to a first adapter which engages said blade-like means toreleasably retain said means in the first closed position, the other endof the outer casing being affixed to a second adapter which, in turn, isreleasably affixed to a source of a repetitive impact force.

The anchor, secured in its closed position, is driven into the ground atthe required angle and to the necessary depth. The outer casing and bothadapters are removed and the end of the rod secured to the necessarytension to the retaining wall, revetment or similar.

On the other hand, in heavily compacted or rocky-type soils, arelatively narrow blade-like soil engaging means may be required. Thenecessary channel is first created in the soil at the required angle andto the necessary depth and the anchor, with threaded rod attached, ismanually inserted into the channel. The end of the threaded rod is thensecured to the retaining wall, revetment or similar.

It has been further discovered by the present inventors that theabove-discussed support sheets are also load bearing in an essentiallyhorizontal position and thus find use in the construction of suspendedfloor spans, roadways, bridges and the like.

When the support sheets are used in the construction of a roadway,bridge or the like, each sheet is preferably positioned such that thesaid at least one fold is positioned transverse to the flow of thetraffic that will use the road bridge. Preferably, in this embodiment,each support sheet further comprises a narrow flange along the fulllength of both longitudinal edges of the support sheet; each successivesupport sheet is positioned such that adjacent flanges overlap;conventional metal mesh, such as that used for the reinforcement ofconcrete road ways, is affixed to the upper surface of the supportsheets; a continuous-type edge capping is secured to either side of thesupport sheets to assist in the retention of infill material; and anysuitable infill material is positioned on the upper surface of thesupport sheets and between the side edge capping to the required depth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a sketch of a cutter sheet constructed in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective sketch of a support sheet constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 3a and 3b and FIGS. 3c and 3d, respectively are sketches of twoadapters for use with the support sheet illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4a and 4b and FIGS. 4c and 4d, respectively are sketches of theadapters illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b and FIGS. 3c and 3drespectively, connected to the support sheet depicted in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5a and 5b and FIGS. 5c and 5d, respectively are sketches of twoforms of an attachment constructed in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a retaining wall constructed in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a sketch of a building element constructed in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sketch of a breakwater constructed in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIGS. 9a and 9b are sketches of a first anchor constructed in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sketch of a first adapter constructed in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 11 is a sketch of the anchor illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9b withthe outer casing and first and second adapters attached;

FIGS. 12a to 12c is a schematic series sketch of the anchor described inFIGS. 9 and 11 being placed in position;

FIGS. 13a to 13c are sketches of a second anchor constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 14(a, b) are sketches of two embodiments for setting the requiredtension on the anchors illustrated in the previous FIGS.

FIG. 15a is a sketch of a bridge across a river constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15b is a partial cross-sectional view of the bridge illustrated inFIG. 15a.

FIG. 16 is a sketch of the edge capping of the bridge illustrated inFIG. 15.

The cutter illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises an essentially rectangularsheet (1) folded along a number of equi-spaced longitudinal axes (2) toproduce the depicted series of pleats. Short sections 12(a, b) of theoutside edges 3(a, b) of the two outer folds are angled inward.

In the support sheet depicted in FIG. 2, the rectangular sheet (1),pleats and the short sections 12(a, b) are substantially as in thecutter sheet of FIG. 1. However, the thickness of the support sheet isless than that of the cutter sheet. Further, holes 4(a, b) arepositioned near the top edge (5).

FIGS. 3a and 3b and FIGS. 3c and 3d respectively depict two adapters foruse with the support sheet. Each adapter comprises an essentiallyrectangular sheet (6) folded about its shorter axis in a similar manneras the support sheet of FIG. 2. In the adapter illustrated in FIGS. 3aand 3b, a plate (14) is affixed across the central fold. (The plate(14), apart from imparting rigidity to the adapter, can also be used asa connection point for attaching the adapter to the source of repetitiveimpact force.) In each adapter, brackets (7) are affixed at the top edge(8); and holes 9 and 10 are positioned in the brackets (7) and sheet (6)respectively such that they can align with the holes 4(a, b) of thesupport sheet (3) to allow bolts (11) to pass through as illustrated inFIGS. 4a to 4d.

The two attachments (17) illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b and 5c and 5d,respectively each comprise an elongated channel (15) of "square C"cross-section. The width of the channel (15) is slightly greater thanthe depth of the pleats of the support sheet illustrated in FIG. 2. Amember (16) of H cross section is affixed approximately mid centre ofthe channel (15) and extends away from the open section of the elongatedchannel (15).

In use, the cutter sheet, if required, can be gripped by any suitablemeans, e.g., by the well known pile-driver, and driven longitudinallyinto the ground to cut tree roots etc. The cutter sheet is then removedby any conventional means. If necessary, the adapter is attached to thesupport sheet as illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 4d before driving the sheetinto the ground. Also, if necessary, after the adapter has been removed,the member (16) of the attachment (17) is affixed to, e.g., the piledriver, and the channel member (15) positioned over the top of thesupport sheet so that the top fits into the mouth of the channel. Thesupport sheet is then driven to ground level. After the support sheet isat the required depth, if required, a second (and any subsequent)support sheet is driven into the ground, overlapping the first supportsheet as illustrated in FIG. 6.

In the building element illustrated in FIG. 7, the rectangular sheet(1), pleats, short sections 12(a, b) and holes 4(a, b) (optional) (notillustrated) are substantially as in the support sheet depicted in FIG.2. A casing (18) is affixed to the sheet (1) by any suitable means, thecasing comprising a double walled nylon mattress (20) held together atintervals by filter points (19). The casing is filled with, for example,fine aggregate concrete (21) by pressure injection until the mattress isinflated to assume a position which essentially follows the contours ofthe sheet but leaving a gap g between the wall of the mattress and thebase b of each fold. The filter points (19) remain free of concrete. Thegap g further assists wave energy dissipation as the waves attempt toforce the mattress into closer contact with the sheet.

In use, the required number of sheets (1) are driven into the ground atthe required angle and to the required depth following the proceduredescribed above. If necessary, excavation of the soil or the like isundertaken from the water side of the revetment. A casing (18) asdescribed with reference to FIG. 7 is then placed over one face of thesheets and then pumped full of fine aggregate concrete.

It should be noted that the positioning of the casing and the subsequentfilling with concrete can be undertaken even though the sheet(s) may beunder water.

This feature is particularly advantageous for the construction ofgroins, breakwaters and the like where it is impossible to drain, or todivert the flow of, the water. As illustrated in FIG. 8, spaced walls22(a, b) can extend from the shoreline (24) out to sea for the requireddistance and an end wall (23) is then positioned. Each spaced and endwalls are as described above with reference to FIG. 7. The breakwater isthen completed by positioning rocks (25), pumping sand or other suitablefill between the walls. (Although the casing (18) is illustrated ascovering only one face of each sheet (1), in practice, it is more likelythat the casing (18) will extend over the top edge of each sheet anddown the other face thereof, each end of the casing (18) then beingburied below ground/sea bed level.)

In FIGS. 9a and 9b, the anchor comprises a soil engaging means (26)consisting of a plate (27) two sides of which taper to a point (28) atone end. The other end is bifurcated providing segments (80) each ofwhich are curved at an inclination to the plane of the plate (27) andsufficiently separated to provide a significant straight edge (44).Additional shaped, curved wing segments 30(a, b), one affixed to eachside of the plate, are positioned to follow the inclination set by theplate (27) and its bifurcated end. A key-hole shaped aperture (29) ispositioned in the plate (27) near to the point (28). A pivot arm (31) issecured across the aperture (29) and at approximate right angles to thelongitudinal axis of the plate (27). Pivotally connected to the arm(31), via a plate (33), is a short internally threaded open ended tube(32). The aperture (29), pivot arm (31) and tube (32) are adapted suchthat the tube (32) can be positioned initially substantially parallel tothe said longitudinal axis but allows the outer side (81) of the tube(32) to abut the inner edge (34) of the aperture (29) when the plate(27) pivots through 90 degrees as illustrated in FIG. 9b.

FIG. 10 illustrates an adapter (42) comprising a substantially bulletshaped member (36). An externally threaded tube (37) is affixed to therear of the member (36). A section of the member (36) is removed tocreate a flat surface (38). A triangular segment (39) is affixed to themember (36) and extends forward over the flat surface (38) to create aslot (40). A hole (41) passes through the entire length of the adapter.

In use, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a threaded rod (35) is screwed to theopen ended tube (32). An elongated tube (43)--which is internallythreaded for a short distance from either end--is attached to thethreaded tube (37) of the adapter (42) and the rod (35) passed throughuntil the slot (40) engages the edge (44) of the plate (27) thus holdingthe blade (26) in a closed position. The rod (35) protrudes from theother end of the tube (43) for a short distance. A second adapter (45)comprising a hexagonal nut (46)--either side of which is attached shortexternally threaded tubes 47(a, b)--is placed over the protruding end ofthe rod (35) and screwed into the end of the tube (43) until the nut(46) abuts the end edge of the tube (43).

As illustrated in FIGS. 12a-12c, a hole is positioned in the retainingwall (47) of sufficient diameter to allow the anchor to be placedthrough with the blade (26) in its closed position (FIG. 12a). Byapplying a force to the end of the second adapter (45), the anchor canbe driven into the ground at the required angle and to the requireddepth. Although any suitable means can be used to drive the anchor intothe ground, an air driven machine is preferred as a secondary benefit ofthe air flowing down through the second adapter (45), tube (43) andfirst adapter (42) is that the threads of the rod (35) are kept clear ofsoil, grit etc as the anchor passes through the ground. As illustratedin FIG. 12b, the second adapter (45) is removed and the tube (43)disengaged from the plate (27) (for example, by application of a forceto the rod (35) to move the anchor further into the ground or by partialor total removal of the tube (43) from the ground). A plate (50) --of ashape identical to a single fold of the sheet (1) --with an aperture isplaced in position on the outside of the wall (47) and a nut (51)positioned on the rod (35) is tightened. As the nut (51) is tightenedthe movement of the rod (35) causes the blade (26) to assume its openposition (FIG. 12c) thus causing resistance to its passage through thesoil. The nut (51) is tightened until the required tension is reached.

The anchor illustrated in FIGS. 13a and 13b comprises a blade (52)consisting of a narrow plate (53) two sides of which taper to a point(54) at one end. The other end of the plate (53) is curved at aninclination to the plane of the plate (53) to form a tail (55). The edge(56) of the tail (55) is roughly serrated. A key-hole shaped aperture(57) is positioned in the plate (53) near to the point (54). A pivot arm(58) is secured across the aperture (57) and at approximate right anglesto the longitudinal axis of the plate (53). Pivotally connected to thearm (58) via a plate (59)--is a short internally threaded open endedtube (60). The aperture (57), pivot arm (58) and tube (60) are adaptedsuch that the tube (60) can be positioned initially substantiallyparallel to the said longitudinal axis but allows the outer side (61) ofthe tube (60) to abut the inner edge (62) of the aperture (57) when theplate (53) pivots through 90 degrees as illustrated in FIGS. 13a and13c. An externally threaded rod (35) is connected to the tube (60).

In use, a hole is first drilled by any conventional means to establish apassageway for the anchor depicted in FIGS. 13a-c. A hole is positionedin the retaining wall of sufficient diameter to allow theanchor-attached to the rod (35)--to be passed through and down theafore-said predrilled passageway. (To insert, the tail (55) is inclinedupwards, the plate (53) thus resting on the threaded rod (35).) When theanchor is at the required depth, the rod is turned to enable the blade(52) to assume a partial open position under the influence of gravity.The protruding end of the rod (35) is affixed to the retaining wall in asimilar manner to that described above with reference to FIGS. 12a-c.This initial tensioning beds the anchor into the ground. The tension isremoved and the passageway filled with cement grout and the anchor isagain re-tensioned. The retaining wall is ready for immediate use eventhough the cement grout has not set, however, if required, furtherre-tensioning can occur once the grout has set.

A number of devices can be used to monitor the required tension foreither anchor. For example (FIG. 14a), prior to any tensioning, afloating nut (64) can be placed on the rod (35) and abutted to the plate(50). A bridge (65) can then be positioned over the rod (35) followed bya pre-graded compression spring (66) and, if necessary, a washer (67).The spring (66) is compressed by turning a second nut (68) positioned onthe rod (35) until the required tension is reached. The floating nut(64) is periodically tightened against the wall (1).

Alternatively, a conventional pressure measuring gauge (not illustrated)can be used in place of the spring (66).

Yet another alternative is to provide a waler (69) which comprises ahollow tube of rectangular cross section. This waler is pretested sothat it is known to deform at a certain pressure. Therefore, the walercan be positioned as illustrated in FIG. 14b and the nut (70) tighteneduntil the surface (71) deforms. A waler is a particularly advantageousembodiment as a single waler can be used to tension a number of anchorsas also illustrated in FIG. 14b.

The road way illustrated in FIGS. 15a (depicted bridging a waterway) and15b comprises a number of rectangular sheets (72) each folded about itslongitudinal axis to produce a series of pleats. A narrow flange (73)extends from both longitudinal edges. Adjacent sheets (72) arepositioned such that the respective flanges (73) overlap and are joinedtogether by a conventional nut and bolt arrangement (74). Optionally,the underside of each sheet (72) may be coated with any suitablecorrosion-resistant material. Conventional metal mesh (90) is laid overthe sheets (72) and, for example, spot welded thereto. An edge capping(75) of the profile illustrated in FIG. 16 is fixed along the open endsof the pleats. The lower lip (76) of the capping (75) sits under thesheets (72) and is attached thereto by bolts passing through the lip(76) and flanges (73). The edge (77) abuts the ends of the sheets andthe lip (78) is approximately at the same height as the top of thepleats. The upper lip (79) is at a height corresponding to the requireddepth of the infill material. The upper surface of this lip (79)provides a convenient screed level for the infill material.

By using the present invention, a significant number of advantages areapparent. These advantages include:

The cost of the thinner gauge support sheets is sufficiently reducedsuch that it can be economical for them to remain in the ground aftertheir purpose has been fulfilled. This is particularly advantageous whenworking in narrow confines where it can be almost impossible to retrievethe support sheets without damage to either the newly formed footings,walls etc or to an existing adjacent building.

A further advantage of this disposability of the support sheets is that,by remaining in situ, they can also be used as formwork for thefoundations and the like of the new construction. This provides economicadvantages in that, after constructing the retaining wall, it may not benecessary to utilise additional resources and personnel in erecting therequired formwork for, for example, the subsequent pouring of theconcrete for the foundations.

The lower impact forces required to drive the support sheets into theground give rise to much lower shock waves through the ground whichreduces the chance of damage to existing adjacent buildings.

The overall lesser bulk of the implements of the invention and theequipment necessary to drive the sheets into the ground enablesretaining walls and the like to be erected closer to existing buildingsthan is possible using other known methods.

In this regard, as the sheets can be positioned at reverse angles, theycan be placed close to existing buildings without any eaves etc to beremoved first as is the case with the prior art piles.

To a certain extent, the required "strength" of a retaining wall can bevaried by altering the degree of "overlap" of adjacent sheets. Forexample, an overlap of two "folds" provides, in effect, a strengthenedpole every few meters--such an arrangement is extremely strong andstable. This strength is superior to the prior art interlocking pilesbut the sheets can readily be removed again if desired.

As rust, dirt etc collects in the grooves of the prior art piles, theyvirtually lock solid, it requiring a tremendous force to remove them.This is not a problem with the support sheets of the present inventionshould it be necessary to remove the sheets from the ground.

A retaining wall can be constructed in a body of water such as a dam ora lake which is sufficiently water tight to enable partial draining ofthe dam or the like from one side of the wall. After the required workhas been undertaken on the drained side, a support sheet can be slowlyremoved allowing a controlled flow of water to pass under thereof.

It is possible to construct a support wall for a revetment before anyexcavation is undertaken; the angle of the support wall can be chosen toreduce wave run up at wave deflection off the revetment; and as thesupport wall is essentially water tight, should any excavation of thewater side be required, this can be undertaken from the dry side of thewall.

By using the thinner gauge sheets and an overlaid casing, the costs ofmanufacturing a breakwater and the like can be significantly reduced butthe overall strength is improved.

The present invention is particularly suited to revetments--both aboveand below water--for use in beach shoreline protection, bridgeabutments, road and rail embankments, dams, rivers, spillways,irrigation and stormwater canals, slipways, retaining walls, breakwatersand the like.

Should it be necessary to strengthen any retaining wall or the like, ananchor can be relatively quickly positioned for immediate use. Thecompact nature of the anchor when in the closed position and the factthat it can be positioned by means remote from the blade end provides amajor advantage in that the anchor can be easily positioned close to,for example, the existing foundations of any adjacent building. Furtheradvantages include the cost which is substantially less than existingdevices and that a number of items from the anchor are reusable. Animportant advantage is that no destressing of the anchor is requiredafter it has been positioned and served its intended purpose. A furtheradvantage is that the anchor can be re-tensioned at any time throughoutits structural life, unlike prior art anchors. Alternatively, if it isno longer necessary to maintain constant tension on the retaining wall,the anchor and its method of insertion can be designed such that allcomponents of the anchor, with the exception of the blade, can readilybe removed from the ground.

The basic support sheet can also be used as a road way surface which isload bearing for vehicles and the like even before any final surfacematerial is laid. Thus, for example, the sheets can be laid directly onthe existing ground surface and essentially be ready for immediate use.

Another major advantage is that the various sheets and anchors of thepresent invention can be prepared on site. The steel can be delivered onsite and as the machines for folding and cutting the steel are portable,the required number and shape of items can be manufactured on site. Thisrepresents a significant reduction in transportation and manufacturingcosts. It is estimated that the present invention is much stronger thanknown existing systems but can be put into effect for approximately 25%of the cost.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are examplesonly and that modifications can be made to the present inventiondescribed herein without departing from the inventive concept as definedin the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of constructing a load bearing surface includingat least one inter-connectable corrugated sheet, each inter-connectablesheet having at least one alternating radiused ridge and radiused troughconnected by a linear web, said method comprising the steps of:(a)providing at least one adapter also comprising a corrugated sheet havingcorrugations complementary to those of said inter-connectable sheet,said at least one adapter having means for temporary attachment to saidinter-connectable sheet; (b) using said at least one adapter to placesaid inter-connectable sheet into its required position; and (c)removing each of said at least one adapter so that no adapters remainattached to said sheet.
 2. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein, priorto placing said inter-connectable sheet into said required position,another sheet is first driven into ground at a required angle and to arequired depth to penetrate obstructive material that may be present inthe ground, said another sheet then being removed, said another sheetcomprising a corrugated sheet having corrugations complementary to thoseof said inter-connectable sheet.
 3. A method as defined in claims 1,further comprising the steps of:(a) further adapting saidinter-connectable sheet to comprise a narrow flange along a full lengthof each of its two longitudinal edges; and (b) positioning a resultantsheet such that corrugations are transverse to a flow of traffic thatwill use said roadway, any successive resultant sheet being positionedsuch that adjacent said narrow flanges overlap.
 4. A method as definedin claim 3, wherein infill material is positioned on a surface of saidsheet which will be in direct contact with said flow of traffic.
 5. Amethod as defined in claim 4 wherein said infill material is retained onsaid surface between continuous-type edge cappings extending parallel tosaid flow and connected to said flanges.
 6. A method as defined in claim1, wherein said using step comprises applying a driving force directlyto each of said at least one adapter.
 7. A method of constructing a loadbearing surface including at least one inter-connectable corrugatedsheet, said inter-connectable sheet having at least one alternatingradiused ridge and radiused trough connected by a linear web, saidmethod comprising the steps of:(a) providing at least one adapter alsocomprising a corrugated sheet having corrugations complementary to thoseof said inter-connectable sheet, said at least one adapter each havingmeans for temporary attachment to said inter-connectable sheet; (b)using said at least one adapter to place said inter-connectable sheet toan approximation of its required position; (c) removing each of said atleast one adapter so that no adapters remain attached to said sheet; (d)placing an attachment in temporary communication with a top of saidinter-connectable sheet and further positioning said inter-connectablesheet to its required position in ground; and (e) removing saidattachment;wherein said attachment comprises: (a) an elongated memberdefining a channel of a width slightly greater than the depth of one ofsaid ridges and said troughs; (b) means to releasably connect saidelongated member to a source of a vibrating force;wherein each side ofsaid channel is further adapted to comprise a short extension, each saidextension comprising a corrugated sheet having corrugationscomplementary to those of said inter-connectable sheet.
 8. A method asdefined in claim 7 wherein, prior to placing said inter-connectablesheet into said required position, another sheet is first driven intoground at a required angle and to a required depth to penetrateobstructive material that may be present in the ground, said anothersheet then being removed, said another sheet comprising a corrugatedsheet having corrugations complementary to those of saidinter-connectable sheet.
 9. A method as defined in claim 7, wherein saidusing step comprises applying a driving force directly to each of saidat least one adapter.
 10. A method of constructing a revetment having atleast one inter-connectable corrugated sheet, said sheet having at leastone alternating radiused ridge and radiused trough connected by a linearweb, said method comprising the steps of:(a) providing at least oneadapter also comprising a corrugated sheet having corrugationscomplementary to those of said inter-connectable sheet, said at leastone adapter having means for temporary attachment to saidinter-connectable sheet; (b) using said at least one adapter to placesaid inter-connectable sheet into its required position; (c) removingeach of said at least one adapter so that no adapters remain attached tosaid sheet; (d) excavating any material that may be present from oneface of said inter-connectable sheet; and (e) overlying a casing on saidone face, said casing being filled with a robust material.
 11. A methodas defined in claim 10 wherein, prior to placing said inter-connectablesheet into said required position, another sheet is first driven intoground at a required angle and to a required depth to penetrateobstructive material that may be present therein, said another sheetthen being removed, said another sheet comprising a corrugated sheethaving corrugations complementary to those of said inter-connectablesheet.
 12. A method as defined in claim 10, wherein said using stepcomprises applying a driving force directly to each of said at least oneadapter.
 13. A method of constructing a revetment having at least oneinter-connectable corrugated sheet, said inter-connectable sheet havingat least one alternating radiused ridge and radiused trough connected bya linear web, said method comprising the steps of:(a) providing at leastone adapter also comprising a corrugated sheet having corrugationscomplementary to those of said inter-connectable sheet, said at leastone adapter having means for temporary attachment to saidinter-connectable sheet; (b) using said at least one adapter to placesaid inter-connectable sheet to an approximation of its requiredposition; (c) removing each of said at least one adapter so that noadapters remain attached to said sheet; (d) placing an attachment intemporary communication with a top of said inter-connectable sheet andfurther positioning said inter-connectable sheet to its requiredposition in ground; (e) removing said attachment; (f) excavating anymaterial that may be present from one face of said inter-connectablesheet; and (g) overlying a casing on said one face, said casing beingfilled with a robust material;wherein said attachment comprises; (a) anelongated member defining a channel of a width slightly greater than adepth of one of said ridges and said troughs; (b) means for releasablyconnecting said elongated member to a source of a vibratingforce;wherein each side of said channel further comprises a shortextension, each said extension comprising a corrugated sheet havingcorrugations complementary to those of said inter-connectable sheet. 14.A method as defined in claim 13 wherein, prior to placing saidinter-connectable sheet into said required position, another sheet isfirst driven into ground at a required angle and to a required depth topenetrate obstructive material that may be present therein, said anothersheet then being removed, said another sheet comprising a corrugatedsheet having corrugations complementary to those of saidinter-connectable sheet.
 15. A method as defined in claim 13, whereinsaid using step comprises applying a driving force directly to each ofsaid at least one adapter.
 16. A method of constructing a load bearingsurface including at least one inter-connectable corrugated sheet, eachinter-connectable sheet having at least one alternating radiused ridgeand radiused trough connected by a linear web, said method comprisingthe steps of:(a) providing an adapter also comprising a corrugated sheethaving corrugations complementary to those of said inter-connectablesheet, said adapter having means for temporary attachment to saidinter-connectable sheet; (b) using said adapter to place saidinter-connectable sheet into its required position; (c) removing saidadapter; (d) passing through at least one of said inter-connectablesheets at least one anchor comprising an elongated rod having ablade-like soil engaging means pivotally connected at one end andcapable of movement from a first closed position to a second openposition, and a second end of said rod being adapted to be secured tosaid inter-connectable sheet in said first closed position, into groundat a required angle and to a necessary depth; (e) causing saidblade-like means to assume said second open position; and (f) securingsaid second end of said rod to said inter-connectable sheet in such amanner to substantially prevent any movement of said inter-connectablesheet under the influence of pressure; said soil engaging meansincludinga plate, two sides of which taper to a point, an end of saidplate opposite to said point being bifurcated to provide segments, eachsegment being curved at an inclination to a plane of said plate, curvedwing segments, one affixed to each side of said plate, each wing segmentfollowing an inclination set by said plate and its said bifurcated end,an aperture in said plate, and means pivotally connected across saidaperture to allow said plate to rotate through no more thanapproximately 90 degrees.
 17. A method as defined in claim 16, whereinsaid anchor is first attached to a rod, an outer casing is thenpositioned over said rod, one end of said casing being releasablyaffixed to a first adaptor which holds said anchor in said closedposition, a second end of said outer casing being affixed to a secondadaptor which, in turn, is releasably affixed to a source of arepetitive impact force, no later than when said anchor is pairedthrough said inter-connectable sheet.
 18. A method as defined in claim17 wherein, prior to said passing said anchor through saidinterconnectable sheet, a channel is first created in said soil toaccommodate said anchor attached to said rod and said outer casing. 19.A method as defined in claim 18, wherein said first adaptorcomprises:(a) a cylindrical body member; (b) a frusto-conical memberextending from one end of, and coaxially with, said body member, saidfrusto-conical member having a section removed to create essentially aflat surface on one side thereof; (c) a holding member affixed to saidbody member and extending from said one end such that a slot is formedbetween said holding member and said flat surface of said frusto-conicalmember; (d) an externally threaded tube extending from a second end of,and coaxial with, said body member; and (e) a bore passing through anentire longitudinal length of said first adapter;so that said rod ofsaid anchor can pass through said bore and said plate of said anchor canbe retained in said slot to retain said anchor in said first closedposition.
 20. A method as defined in claim 17, wherein said firstadaptor comprises:(a) a cylindrical body member; (b) a frusto-conicalmember extending from one end of, and coaxial with, said body member,said frusto-conical member having a section removed to createessentially a flat surface on one side thereof; (c) a holding memberaffixed to said body member and extending from said one end such that aslot is formed between said holding member and said flat surface of saidfrusto-conical member; (d) an externally threaded tube extending from asecond end of, and coaxially with, said body member; and (e) a borepassing through an entire longitudinal length of said first adaptor;sothat said rod of said anchor can pass through said bore and said plateof said anchor is retained in said slot to retain said anchor in saidfirst closed position.
 21. A method of constructing a load bearingsurface including at least one inter-connectable corrugated sheet, eachinter-connectable sheet having at least one alternating radiused ridgeand radiused trough connected by a linear web, said method comprisingthe steps of:(a) providing an adapter also comprising a corrugated sheethaving corrugations complementary to those of said inter-connectablesheet, said adapter having means for temporary attachment to saidinter-connectable sheet; (b) using said adapter to place saidinter-connectable sheet into its required position; (c) removing saidadapter; (d) passing through at least one of said inter-connectablesheets at least one anchor comprising an elongated rod having ablade-like soil engaging means pivotally connected at one end andcapable of movement from a first closed position to a second openposition, and a second end of said rod being adapted to be secured tosaid inter-connectable sheet, into ground at a required angle and to anecessary depth; (e) causing said blade-like means to assume said secondopen position; and (f) securing said second end of said rod to saidinter-connectable sheet in such a manner to substantially prevent anymovement of said inter-connectable sheet under influence of pressure;said soil engaging means includinga plate, two sides of which taper to apoint, a second end of said plate being curved at an inclination to aplane of said plate an aperture in said plate, and means pivotallyconnected across said aperture to allow said plate to rotate through nomore than approximately 90 degrees.